MOST Britons don't want smoking in bars or restaurants banned but want measures to combat smoky atmospheres, according to research for the Tobacco Manufacturers' Association.

Researchers found 30% of non-smokers and 55% of adult smokers had no real concern about cigarette use in pubs, clubs and bars.

But 75% felt improvements were needed, with 24% favouring good ventilation. But Doreen McIntyre, of the International Non-Governmental Coalition Against Tobacco, said, "People who don't want to breathe smoke should not be forced to."

THE NHS is wasting &#xA3;50m a year paying suspended doctors to stay at home, hiring replacements and funding investigations into often trivial complaints, a Reader's Digest report has claimed.

It claimed many suspensions seemed to be punishment for whistle-blowers or "petty jealousies" and rows.

THE Government is sticking by its decision to strengthen warnings against travel to Saudi Arabia, despite a rebuke from the Middle East state.

Other countries, including the US and Australia, are reviewing their risk assessments amid fears that anti-western groups could strike during Ramadan, which starts next week.

THOUSANDS of acres of farmland could be submerged under 40ft of water if plans to build several new reservoirs in the south of England go ahead.

The proposals have been put forward as a way to cope with the UK's rapidly expanding population and increased water usage.

Thames Water is looking into the benefits of a &#xA3;600m reservoir near Abingdon in Oxfordshire to help provide water for the capital's expanding population.